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Bible Pathway - Feb. 1, 2015

In Leviticus, the first words of God to Moses are: Speak unto the children of Israel (Lev. 1:2). Find out for yourself how to approach God and continue in fellowship with Him.

If his offering be a Burnt Sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the Tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the Burnt Offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him (Lev. 1:3-4).

The Burnt Offering was unlike all other sacrifices in that it was burned entirely and was presented voluntarily. It could be brought by one who felt the need of humbly coming before the Lord in deep gratitude for His mercy, confessing any offenses and failings which were not specifically mentioned in the Law. But most of all, it signified his dedication and consecration to God.

In some instances, like the Peace Offering, both the priest and the one who brought the offering ate of the sacrifice. In most sacrifices, only the fat was burned; but with the Burnt Offering, no one could eat of it — everything was burned. This was an act of seeking to fully please the Father, with no thought of satisfying self or of pleasing others (Ex. 29:42). As the sacrifice was reduced to ashes, a sweet savor ascended to God and satisfied Him.

The Burnt Offering was often a valuable ox that normally plowed in a field or pulled a huge cart. To offer less than his best, his offering would not qualify as a Burnt Offering. This was designed to teach us that we too are to offer our best unto God — the best of our time, talents, and possessions.

Just as a transformation took place from the time the ox was plowing the field to the time it was reduced to ashes, so every Christian who presents himself a "living sacrifice" will be transformed by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As Christ takes control of our lives, all pride, self-sufficiency, and self-interest will be reduced to ashes — eliminated — and the Christian becomes a sweet savor — a satisfaction to God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:1-2).

Thought for Today:

And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again (II Cor. 5:15).

Christ Revealed:

Through the Meat (Meal, Grain) Offering which was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Lev. 2:11). Christ was without sin (Heb. 4:15).

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.